punctual

1 of 2

adjective

punc·​tu·​al ˈpəŋk-chə-wəl 

-chəl

: being on time : prompt

punctuality

ˌpəŋk-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

noun

punctually

ˈpəŋk-chə-wə-lē 

-chə-lē

adverb

punctuality

2 of 2

noun

punc·​tu·​al·​i·​ty ˌpəŋ(k)chəˈwalətē 

-(k)sh-, 

-lətē, 

-i

plural -es

1

: the quality or state of being punctual

especially : the characteristic of being prompt in keeping engagements

2

obsolete

a

: a fine or nice point : an instance of precision, scrupulosity, fastidiousness, or punctiliousness

b

: a requisite of behavior or etiquette : punctilio

3

: punctilious observance : punctiliousness

strictest punctuality to the family hours would be expected

—Jane Austen

Did you know?

The original meaning of punctual described a puncture made by a surgeon. The word has meant lots of other things through the centuries, usually involving being precise about small points. And today punctuality is all about time; a punctual train or a punctual payment or a punctual person shows up "on the dot".

Synonyms of punctual

Adjective

• immediate
• timely
• swift
• prompt
• speedy
• quick

Examples of punctual in a Sentence

Adjective

the punctual delivery of the daily mail

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Her employer may also be a stickler for being punctual. —Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026

Lily is in charge of these (Friends of Pacific Beach Secondary Schools) funds and her communication and punctuality are always professional and punctual. —Cyril A. Reinicke, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026

Heart for animals Bouffard’s co-workers and family celebrated her Sunday as a punctual, reliable colleague and friend who liked to smoke, drink, gamble and have a good time. —Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026

Be punctual for shore excursions and activities to avoid delays or missing out without a refund. —Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, having a sharp point, from Medieval Latin punctualis of a point, from Latin punctus pricking, point, from pungere to prick — more at pungent

Noun

punctual + -ity

First Known Use

Adjective

1669, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

punctual

adjective

punc·​tu·​al ˈpəŋ(k)-chə(-wə)l 

: acting or usually acting at an appointed time or at a regularly scheduled time

the trains were punctual

punctuality

ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-ˈwal-ət-ē 

noun

punctually

ˈpəŋ(k)-chə(-wə)-lē 

adverb